Naivasha, Kenya: MPs, religious leaders and elders have moved in to defuse rising tension and anxiety in the lakeside town after hate leaflets were distributed in some estates.

This came as reports emerged of some communities fleeing the town which was one of the most affected by the post-election violence in 2007-08.

The leaders assured the fleeing communities that the town was peaceful adding that they would ensure that no violence revisited the town.

Addressing the press in Naivasha, the over 50 leaders called on Kenyans to ignore calls for mass action on July 7 as demanded by CORD.

According to Bishop Jeremiah Pallangyo, political statements by the politicians were to blame for the rising anxiety in the town.

He said the post-election violence was an eye-opener for them adding that they would not allow political rhetoric to divide them.

"We are deeply perturbed by the status of the nation but we want to assure all communities in Naivasha that their lives are safe," he said.

The sentiments were echoed by Bishop Joseph Wambugu who condemned those issuing threats and dispersing the warning leaflets.

He noted that all communities in the town were committed to peace and assured investors mainly in the flower sector that no violence would erupt in the town.

"We are calling on the Government to ban all political rallies in the country as they are the cause of the current tension in the country, " he said.

Naivasha MP John Kihagi admitted that there was tension in the town but assured all communities that the town was safe despite various rumors.

He attributed the tension to the ongoing political statements and supported calls to have all political rallies cancelled.

"All communities have the right to stay in Naivasha and we as leaders will lead from the front in making sure that all people are safe in Naivasha.

Nakuru Women Representative Mary Mbugua warned that the emergence of chaos would affect all irrespective of their parties.

"We are committed to peace, we condemn the Mpeketoni murder and we are calling on Kenyans to report to work on seventh of July," she said.

An elder David Kilo admitted that some communities were living in fear after the hate leaflets were found in some areas.

"We are brothers and sisters and we should not allow statements by our leaders to divide us as we the electorate will be the biggest loosers," he said.

The Chairman Kikuyu council of elders Daniel Kigochi echoed the sentiments saying that they would lead from the front in uniting area residents.

"We are calling on those thinking of fleeing to rethink their decisions and ignore ongoing rumors going around in this town," he said.